NNT-AS1 in CAFs-derived exosomes promotes progression and glucose metabolism through miR-889-3p/HIF-1α in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

It is metabolic and signaling crosstalk between stromal cells and tumors in the tumor microenvironment, which influences several aspects of tumor formation and drug resistance, including metabolic reprogramming. Despite considerable findings linking lncRNAs in HIF-1-related regulatory networks to cancer cell, little emphasis has been given to the role in communication between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor cells. Previously, we observed that NNT-AS1 was substantially expressed in CAFs cells and CAFs exosomes, and subsequently investigated the influence of CAFs exosomal NNT-AS1 on glucose metabolism, proliferation, and metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine exosomes secreted by PDAC patient-derived CAFs. qRT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression of NNT-AS1, miR-889-3p, and HIF-1. The role of CAFs-derived exosomal NNT-AS1 in PDAC cell progression and metabolism have been identified. Dual luciferase reporter assays examined the binding between NNT-AS1, miR-889-3p, and HIF-1. After PDAC cells co-culture exosomes secreted by CAFs, we found that they alter glucose metabolism, proliferation, and metastasis. In PDAC cells, CAF-derived exosomal lncRNA NNT-AS1 acted as a molecular sponge for miR-889-3p. Furthermore, HIF-1 could be targeted by miR-889-3p and was controlled by NNT-AS1. This study explores the mechanism by which NNT-AS1 influences the interaction of CAFs on glycolytic remodeling, proliferation, and metastasis of tumor cells through regulating miR-889-3p/HIF-1α, which also helps discover new clinical treatment targets for PDAC.

miR-575/RIPK4 axis modulates cell cycle progression and proliferation by inactivating the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway through inhibiting RUNX1 in colon cancer.

Receptor interacting protein serine/threonine kinase 4 (RIPK4) is widely involved in human cancer development. Nevertheless, its role in colon cancer (COAD) has not been elucidated till now. Our research aimed at exploring the function and underlying molecular mechanism of RIPK4 in COAD progression. Through bioinformatic analyses and RT-qPCR, RIPK4 was discovered to be increased in COAD cells and tissues, and its high level predicted poor prognosis. Loss-of-function assays revealed that RIPK4 silencing suppressed COAD cell growth, induced cell cycle arrest, and enhanced cell apoptosis. In vivo experiments also proved that tumor growth was inhibited by silencing of RIPK4. Luciferase reporter assay validated that RIPK4 was targeted and negatively regulated by miR-575. Western blotting demonstrated that Wnt3a, phosphorylated (p)-GSK-3ß, and cytoplasmic and nuclear ß-catenin protein levels, ß-catenin nuclear translocation, and Cyclin D1, CDK4, Cyclin E, and c-Myc protein levels were reduced by RIPK4 knockdown, which however was reversed by treatment with LiCl, the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway activator. LiCl also offset the influence of RIPK4 knockdown on COAD cell growth, cell cycle process, and apoptosis. Finally, RIPK4 downregulation reduced RUNX1 level, which was upregulated in COAD and its high level predicted poor prognosis. RIPK4 is positively associated with RUNX1 in COAD. Overexpressing RUNX1 antagonized the suppression of RIPK4 knockdown on RUNX1, Wnt3a, p-GSK-3ß, cytoplasmic ß-catenin, nuclear ß-catenin, Cyclin D1, CDK4, Cyclin E, and c-Myc levels. Collectively, miR-575/RIPK4 axis repressed COAD progression via inactivating the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway through downregulating RUNX1.

LncRNA EPIC1 promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of gallbladder cancer cells by interacting with LET.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) EPIC1 (epigenetically-induced lncRNA1) is likely involved in human cancer by promoting cell cycle progression. Our study was carried out to investigate the involvement of EPIC1 in gallbladder cancer (GBC). METHODS: Expression levels of EPIC1 in two types of tissues (GBC and paracancerous) and plasma were measured by performing qPCR. GBC-SD and SGC-996 cells were transfected with low expression in tumor (LET) and EPIC1 expression vectors. RESULTS: The present study found that EPIC1 was upregulated in tumor tissues than in paracancerous tissues of GBC patients, and plasma levels of EPIC1 were significantly correlated with levels of EPIC1 in tumor tissues. LncRNA LET was downregulated in tumor tissues than in paracancerous tissues and was inversely correlated with EPIC1 in both tumor tissues and paracancerous tissues. Overexpression of EPIC1 led to downregulated LET, and LET overexpression also mediated the downregulation of EPIC1. EPIC1 led to accelerated GBC cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis. Overexpression of LET played opposites roles. In addition, LET overexpression attenuated the effects of EPIC1 overexpression on cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: LncRNA EPIC1 promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of GBC cells by interacting with LET.

Fluid Balance of the Second Day Following Operation is Associated with Early Mortality and Multiorgan Failure After Pericardiectomy for Constrictive Pericarditis.

BACKGROUND: The operative mortality of pericardiectomy still is high. This retrospective study was conducted to determine the risk factors of early mortality and multiorgan failure. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing pericardiectomy from January 2009 to June 2020 at our hospital. Pericardiectomy was performed via sternotomy. Histopathologic studies of pericardium tissue from every patient were done. All survivors were monitored to the end date of the study. RESULTS: Ninety-two consecutive patients undergoing pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis were included in the study. Postoperatively, central venous pressure significantly decreased, and left ventricular end diastolic dimension and left ventricular ejection fractions significantly improved. The overall mortality rate was 5.4%. The common postoperative complications include acute renal injury (27.2%), and multiorgan failure (8.7%). Analyses of risk factors showed that fluid balance of the second day following operation is associated with early mortality and multiorgan failure. In this series from Guangxi, China, characteristic histopathologic features of tuberculosis (60/92, 65.2%) of pericardium were the most common histopathologic findings, and 32 patients (32/92, 34.8%) had the histopathologic findings of chronic nonspecific inflammatory changes. The functional status of the patients improved after pericardiectomy; 6 months later postoperatively 85 survivors were in class I (85/87, 97.7%) and two were in class II (2/87, 2.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Tuberculosis is the most common cause of constrictive pericarditis in Guangxi, China. Fluid balance of the second day following operation is associated with early mortality and multiorgan failure after pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis in our study.

Acute Kidney Injury: Lessons from Pericardiectomy.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney (renal) injury (AKI) is a severe and common complication that occurs in ~40% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. AKI has been associated with increased mortality and worse prognosis. This prospective study was conducted to determine the risk factors for AKI after pericardiectomy and decrease the operative risk of mortality and morbidity. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational cohort study of patients with constrictive pericarditis undergoing pericardiectomy. All patients underwent pericardiectomy via median sternotomy. Serum creatinine was used as the diagnostic standard of AKI according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes classification. All survivors were monitored to the end date of the study. RESULTS: Consecutive patients (N = 92) undergoing pericardiectomy were divided into 2 groups: with AKI (n = 25) and without AKI (n = 67). The incidence of postoperative AKI was 27.2% (25/92). Hemodialysis was required for 10 patients (40%), and there were 5 operative deaths. Mortality, intubation time, time in intensive care unit, fresh-frozen plasma, and packed red cells of the group with AKI were significantly higher than those of the group without AKI. Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed that statistically significant independent predictors of AKI include intubation time, chest drainage, fresh-frozen plasma, and packed red cells. The latest follow-up data showed that 85 survivors were New York Heart Association class I (97.7%) and 2 were class II (2.3%). CONCLUSIONS: AKI after pericardiectomy is a serious complication and contributes to significantly increased morbidity and mortality. Prevention of AKI development after cardiac surgery and optimization of pre-, peri-, and postoperative factors that can reduce AKI, therefore, contribute to a better postoperative outcome and leads to lower rates of AKI, morbidity, and mortality.

Preoperative Pericardial Effusion is Associated with Low Cardiac Output Syndrome After Pericardiectomy for Constrictive Pericarditis.

BACKGROUND: Low cardiac output syndrome is the main cause of death after pericardiectomy. METHODS: Patients who underwent pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis from January 2009 to October 2020 at our hospital were included in the study. Histopathologic studies of pericardium tissue from every patient were performed. All survivors were followed up. RESULTS: Ninety-two consecutive patients underdoing pericardiectomy were included in the study. The incidence of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome was 10.7% (10/92). There were five operative deaths. Mortality and incidence of LCOS in the group with pericardial effusion were significantly higher than those in the group without pericardial effusion. Tuberculosis of the pericardium (60/92, 65.2%) was the most common histopathologic finding in this study. Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed that preoperative pericardial effusion is associated with increased rate of low cardiac output syndrome. Eighty-five survivors were in NYHA class I (85/87, 97.7%), and two were in class II (2/87, 2.3%) at the latest follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative pericardial effusion is associated with low cardiac output syndrome after pericardiectomy. Tuberculosis of the pericardium was the most common histopathologic finding in this study. For constrictive pericarditis caused by tuberculous bacteria, systematic antituberculosis drugs should be given. Preoperative pericardial effusion is associated with increased rate of low cardiac output syndrome. Perfect preoperative preparation is very important to reduce the incidence of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome and mortality. It is very important to use a large dose of diuretics with cardiotonic or vasopressor in a short time after the operation.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Mechanical Hemolysis after Mitral Repair in Adult.

BACKGROUND: Mitral repair has been widely used in the treatment of secondary mitral lesions in recent years. Hemolytic anemia is known to be a rare complication after mitral repair. This study aimed to investigate the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical hemolysis after mitral repair in adults. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of patients undergoing mitral repair complicated with mechanical hemolysis at our institution between August 2006 and May 2020. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients undergoing mitral repair complicated with mechanical hemolysis were included in the study. They were divided into two groups: the reoperation group (patients who underwent reoperation; N = 18) and the conservative treatment group (patients who received symptomatic treatments, including blood transfusion, diuresis, alkalization of urine, liver protection, hemodialysis, and oral metoprolol; N = 6. All patients in the reoperation group underwent mitral valve replacement. There were six hospital deaths, all in the conservative treatment group. Seventeen of eighteen patients (94.4%) completed follow up. Fifteen of seventeen survivors (88.2%) were in NYHA class I and 11.8% (2/17) in NYHA class II at the last time follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Hemolysis is a sign of failure of mitral repair. Reoperation is the best choice once the hemolysis has been diagnosed. Reoperation should be carried out as soon as possible.

Coal-Fired Boiler Flue Gas Desulfurization System Based on Slurry Waste Heat Recovery in Severe Cold Areas.

To reduce operating costs on the basis of ensuring the desulfurization efficiency in a wet flue gas desulfurization system, a theoretical model was put forward, and a calculation method was set up. Correlations between reaction zone height, flue gas inlet temperature, slurry inlet temperature, gas-liquid ratio and desulfurization efficiency were found. Based on the heat and mass transfer model of the spray tower, the integrated system of desulfurization tower and open slurry pool and the flue gas desulfurization-waste heat recovery system were established. Additionally, the effect of outdoor wind speed, heat dissipation area and ambient temperature on the slurry equilibrium temperature in the integrated system were analyzed. The results show the slurry equilibrium temperature of the desulfurization system is negatively correlated with outdoor wind speed and heat dissipation area, and positively related to ambient temperature. The slurry temperature is the main factor that affects the performance of the wet flue gas desulfurization system. Finally, based on the Harbin heating group Hua Hui hotspot energy-saving reconstruction project, a case analysis was conducted, which proves the flue gas desulfurization-waste heat recovery system is profitable, energy saving and a suitable investment project.

Increased expression of long non-coding RNA CCAT2 predicts poorer prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Long non-coding RNA colon cancer-associated transcript 2 (CCAT2) is a 1752-bp lncRNA transcribed from m8q24 genomic region. A lot of investigations have confirmed the involvement of CCAT2 in the tumorigenesis of many cancer types. Previous studies found that over-expression of CCAT2 significantly promoted cell migration and proliferation, and inhibited apoptosis of HCC cells. In the present investigation, the clinical value and prognostic significance of CCAT2 were investigated. METHODS: The 122 pairs of HCC tissues and adjacent normal liver tissues were acquired between September 2013 and February 2018. The expression levels of CCAT2 in HCC tissues and their corresponding adjacent normal liver tissues were examined by RT-qPCR analysis. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed using the log-rank test. Independent prognostic indicators were determined in the multivariate analysis using Cox's proportional hazard model. RESULTS: CCAT2 expression levels were significantly increased in HCC tissues compared to that in their normal counterparts (P < .001). CCAT2 expression was significantly correlated with vascular invasion (P = .001), histopathologic grading (P = .001), distant metastasis (P = .002) and TNM stage (P = .018). A Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the overall survival rate of HCC patients in high CCAT2 expression group markedly decreased as compared with that of low CCAT2 expression group (P = .016). In addition, COX multivariate analysis showed that high expression of CCAT2 was an independent risk factor for predicting shorter overall survival time in HCC (HR = 2.126, 95%CI:1.273-8.775, P = .021). CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, this research revealed that lncRNA CCAT2 may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting overall survival time in HCC.

Correction to: Calycosin suppresses TGF-ß-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and migration by upregulating BATF2 to target PAI-1 via the Wnt and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in colorectal cancer cells.

In the original publication of this article [1], there is a mistake in Figure 7. The tags of TGF-beta and calycosin in Western blotting electrophoresis images are reversed.

Calycosin suppresses TGF-ß-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and migration by upregulating BATF2 to target PAI-1 via the Wnt and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in colorectal cancer cells.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the upregulation of basic leucine zipper ATF-like transcription factor 2 (BATF2) by calycosin suppresses the growth and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. METHOD: Cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of calycosin for different periods of time. Protein and mRNA expression was determined by western blotting and quantitative PCR. Cell migration was assessed by Transwell experiments. Co-immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays were used to analyze the association between BATF2 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. (PAI-1). Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry; ß-catenin cellular localization was visualized by immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS: Calycosin up-regulated the expression of BATF2 via the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway, which was antagonized by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), calycosin promoted the cell apoptosis and growth inhibition via phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. TGF-ß promoted cell growth, which was inhibited by calycosin regulating the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway. TGF-ß suppressed expression of BAX via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway but induced cell apoptosis .calycosin enhanced the effect of TGF-ß on cell apoptosis,In addition, calycosin suppressed TGF-ß-induced cell migration by increasing BATF2 to target PAI-1. TGF-ß-induced EMT was inhibited by calycosin in human CRC LoVo and HCT116 cell lines via the Wnt signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The induction of BATF2 by calycosin may be a feasible therapeutic option for CRC. .

Clinical comparative analysis of histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution and St. Thomas crystalloid cardioplegia: A 12-year study from a single institution.

Cardioplegic reperfusion during a long-term ischemic period interrupts cardiac surgery and increases cellular edema due to repeated administration. The present clinical study compared the protective effects of histidine-ketoglutarate-tryptophan (HTK) solution and St. Thomas crystalloid cardioplegia. Clinical experiences of the myocardial protection induced by one single perfusion with HTK were reviewed in high-risk patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with complex congenital heart disease. This retrospective study included 88 high-risk patients (aortic cross-clamp time, >120 min) between March 2001 and July 2012. The cohort was divided into two groups according to the technique used. Either myocardial protection was performed with one single perfusion with HTK solution (HTK group) or with conventional St. Thomas crystalloid cardioplegia (St group). The duration of cardiopulmonary bypass did not differ between the two groups. The mortality, morbidity, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, postoperative hospitalization, and transfusions of HTK group are significantly lower than those of the St group (P<0.05). Univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated that HTK is a statistically significant independent predictor of decreased early mortality and morbidity (P<0.05). In conclusion, the present findings suggested that HTK solution decreases mortality, morbidity, ICU stay, postoperative hospitalization, and transfusions in high-risk patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with complex congenital heart disease.

[Application of Fourier transform attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy in analysis of pulp and paper industry].

As one of the most powerful tools to investigate the compositions of raw materials and the property of pulp and paper, infrared spectroscopy has played an important role in pulp and paper industry. However, the traditional transmission infrared spectroscopy has not met the requirements of the producing processes because of its disadvantages of time consuming and sample destruction. New technique would be needed to be found. Fourier transform attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) is an advanced spectroscopic tool for nondestructive evaluation and could rapidly, accurately estimate the production properties of each process in pulp and paper industry. The present review describes the application of ATR-FTIR in analysis of pulp and paper industry. The analysis processes will include: pulping, papermaking, environmental protecting, special processing and paper identifying.

Efficacy and safety of on-pump beating heart surgery.

BACKGROUND: Beating-heart surgery with warm blood perfusion, instead of cardioplegic solution, has been widely accredited to be a feasible technique in the cardiac operation. However, few studies have addressed the efficacy and safety of on-pump beating-heart surgery, especially with large numbers of patients. In this study, the efficacy and safety of on-pump beating-heart surgery was evaluated by surveying 701 patients with cardiac disease. METHODS: Preoperative risk factors, intraoperative techniques, and postoperative complications were documented and evaluated in 701 consecutive patients (from January 1, 2002, to December 30, 2006) who underwent beating-heart surgery with continuous antegrade or retrograde warm blood perfusion at The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. RESULTS: Among the 701 patients with beating-heart surgery, antegrade perfusion was used in 556 patients (79.32%); retrograde perfusion was used in 40 patients (5.71%); and retrograde perfusion followed by antegrade perfusion was performed in 93 patients (13.27%). Cardioplegic arrest was required in 12 patients (1.71%) for inadequate visualization. In 4 of 701 patients (0.57%) low cardiac output syndrome occurred. Hemoglobinuria occurred in 16 patients (2.28%). No air embolization or permanent high-degree atrioventricular block occurred in these patients. The crude mortality of the surveyed patients was 2.43% (17 of 701). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that on-pump beating-heart surgery is a relatively safe and reliable technique for treatment of cardiac diseases.

Study on the binding interaction between carnitine optical isomer and bovine serum albumin.

The reaction between carnitine and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in aqueous solution has been studied by fluorescence spectroscopy and absorbance spectra. The binding interaction between optical isomer, D-carnitine and L-carnitine, with BSA has been compared. Based on the site-binding model and fluorescence quenching, practical formulas for small molecular ligand binding to bio-macromolecule have been used, and the binding parameters were measured. The binding distance, the energy transfer efficiency between carnitine and BSA was also obtained by virtue of the Förster theory of non-radiative energy transfer. The effect of carnitine on the BSA conformation has been analyzed by using synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy. The influence of Fe3+ on the interactions between carnitine optical isomer and bovine serum albumin were also explored in this work. As a conclusion, molecular identification of BSA to carnitine isomer has been suggested preliminary.